Combined coaxial and bimanual irrigation/aspiration apparatus

ABSTRACT

A hand piece having an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion that are releasably coupled is disclosed. In an assembled configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion are coupled such that the hand piece may be manipulable by a user as a single unit. In a separated configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be utilized separate from each other. The irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be freely moved between the assembled configuration and the separated configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/686,430, filed Nov. 27, 2012 and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/579,774, filed Dec. 23, 2011, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a surgical hand piece and particularlyto an irrigation and aspiration hand piece for use during a surgicalprocedure.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a combined coaxial andbimanual irrigation/aspiration (“I/A”) surgical instrument used insurgical procedures such as, for example, a phacoemulsificationprocedure.

The human eye functions to provide vision by transmitting light througha clear outer portion called the cornea, and focusing the image by wayof a crystalline lens onto a retina. The quality of the focused imagedepends on many factors including the size and shape of the eye, and thetransparency of the cornea and the lens. When age or disease causes thelens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates because of thediminished light which can be transmitted to the retina. This deficiencyin the lens of the eye is medically known as a cataract. An acceptedtreatment for this condition is surgical removal of the lens andreplacement of the lens function by an artificial intraocular lens.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the disclosure describes an I/A hand piece thatincludes an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion. One of theirrigation portion or the aspiration portion may include a receptacleinto which a portion of the other of the irrigation portion or theaspiration portion is removably received.

Another aspect of the disclosure encompasses an I/A hand piece thatincludes an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion. The irrigationportion may include an inlet, and outlet, and a passage extendingbetween the inlet and the outlet. The aspiration portion may include aninlet, an outlet, a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet,and a receptacle. The I/A hand piece may be selectively configuredbetween an assembled configuration in which a portion of the irrigationportion is releasably received into the receptacle of the aspirationportion and a separated configuration in which the irrigation portionand the aspiration portion are decoupled from each other.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features.One of the irrigation portion or the aspiration portion may include abody defining a recess. The other of the irrigation portion or theaspiration portion may include a body having a profile configured to bereleasably received into the recess. The recess may extendlongitudinally along the body. The receptacle and the portion of theother of the irrigation portion or the aspiration portion may bereceived within the receptacle form a fluid-tight seal. The hand pieceis selectively configurable between an assembled configuration in whichthe irrigation portion and the aspiration portion are coupled togethersuch that the at least a portion of irrigation portion or the aspirationportion is received within the receptacle of the other of the irrigationportion or the aspiration portion and a separated configuration in whichthe irrigation portion and the aspiration portion are decoupled fromeach other. The hand piece may also include an irrigation sleeve.

Also, the aspiration portion may include the receptacle, and at least aportion of the irrigation portion is may be received within thereceptacle in the assembled configuration. The irrigation sleeve may becoupled to a distal end of the aspiration portion. The aspirationportion may include an aspiration needle, and the aspiration needle mayextend through an opening formed in the irrigation sleeve. Theirrigation portion may include a passage, and the passage of theirrigation portion may communicate with an interior of the irrigationsleeve. A proximal portion of the irrigation sleeve may be releasablycoupled to a distal end of the aspiration portion. The irrigationportion may include a longitudinally-extending recess, and theaspiration portion may include a cross-sectional shape configured to bereleasably received into the longitudinally-extending recess.

Further, the irrigation portion may include the receptacle, and at leasta portion of the aspiration portion may be received within thereceptacle in the assembled configuration. The irrigation portion mayinclude an annular outlet formed at a distal end thereof, and thereceptacle of the irrigation portion may define a central openingdisposed in a central region circumscribed by the annular opening. Theaspiration portion may be received in the receptacle. A distal portionof the aspiration portion may extend through the central opening of theirrigation portion. The aspiration portion may include an aspirationneedle. The irrigation sleeve may be coupled to a distal end of theirrigation portion, and the aspiration needle may extend through anopening formed in the irrigation sleeve. The irrigation portion mayinclude a longitudinally-extending recess, and the aspiration portionmay include a cross-sectional shape configured to be releasably receivedinto the longitudinally-extending recess.

The various aspects may also include one or more of the followingfeatures. An inner surface of the receptacle and an outer surface of theirrigation portion may form a fluid-tight seal around the irrigationportion. An irrigation sleeve may be releasably coupled to a distal endof the aspiration portion. The irrigation portion may include anirrigation needle. An outlet of the irrigation needle may be incommunication with an interior of the irrigation sleeve. The aspirationportion may include an aspiration needle, and the aspiration needle mayextend through an opening formed in the irrigation sleeve. Theirrigation portion may include a longitudinally-extending recess, andthe aspiration portion may include a cross-sectional shape configured tobe releasably received into the longitudinally-extending recess.

The details of one or more implementations of the present disclosure areset forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otherfeatures, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the descriptionand drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example I/A hand piece.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example I/A hand piece shown inFIG. 1 in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example irrigation portion of theexample I/A hand piece shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the example irrigation portion shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of example irrigation portion shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example aspiration portion of theexample I/A hand piece shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view along line A-A of theexample aspiration portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example irrigation sleeve.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the example irrigation sleeve of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another example I/A hand piece inan assembled configuration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an irrigation portion of theexample I/A hand piece shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is front view of the example irrigation portion shown in FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the example irrigationportion of FIG. 11 along line B-B.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of anotherexample irrigation portion having stiffening features.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an example aspiration portion ofthe example I/A hand piece of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the example aspirationportion shown in FIG. 15 along line C-C.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an example irrigation sleeve.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the example irrigation sleeve of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cross-section of an exampleirrigation sleeve that includes a stiffening feature.

FIG. 20 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the example I/A handpiece of FIG. 10 along line D-D.

FIG. 21 is another transverse cross-sectional view of the example I/Ahand piece of FIG. 10 along line E-E.

FIG. 22 is a partial detail view of the example hand piece shown in FIG.2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument for use in asurgical procedure. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to ahand piece operable to perform irrigation and aspiration in the courseof a surgical procedure. Particularly, the surgical instrument is an I/Ahand piece that is separable into an irrigation portion and anaspiration portion that may be used in a bimanual surgical procedure. Insome implementations, the example surgical instruments described hereinmay be used in ophthalmic surgical procedures and, particularly, inphacoemulsification surgical procedures.

FIGS. 1-9 show an example I/A hand piece 100. The hand piece 100includes an irrigation portion 102, an aspiration portion 104, and anirrigation sleeve 106. FIG. 2 shows the hand piece 100 in an assembledconfiguration in which the irrigation portion 102 and the aspirationportion 104 are coupled together. In the assembled configuration, thehand piece 100 provides a single instrument that provides bothirrigation and aspiration functionality. Thus, a user, such as, forexample, a surgeon or other medical professional, can utilize the handpiece 100 using a single hand, freeing up the user to perform othertasks with the other hand.

FIGS. 3-5 show an example irrigation portion 102. FIG. 3 shows across-sectional view of the irrigation portion 102. As shown, theirrigation portion 102 includes a body 108 and a passage 110 extendingthrough the body 108. The passage 110 extends from an inlet 112 disposedat a proximal end 114 and extends to an outlet 116 formed at a distalend 118. An irrigation needle 120 is coupled to the irrigation portion102 at the distal end 118.

In some implementations, a distal portion 122 of the passage 110 mayhave a reduced size. For example, in some instances, the distal portion122 may have a smaller diameter cross section than a portion of thepassage 110 adjacent thereto. In other instances, a size of the distalportion 122 may be continuous with an adjacent portion of the passage110. In still other implementations, a size of the distal portion 122may have a larger cross-sectional shape than a portion of the passage110 adjacent thereto.

Further, in some implementations, the passage 110 may have a constantcross-section along a length of the irrigation portion 102. In otherimplementations, the passage 110 may have a cross-section that variesalong the length of the irrigation portion 102. For example, in someinstance, one or more portions of the passage 110 may have a taperedcross-section. In other instances, one or more portions of the passage110 may have a stepped changed in cross-section. However, the passage110 may have any desired cross-sectional provide along the length of theirrigation portion 102.

Further, in some instances, the passage 110 may have a circularcross-section. In other instances, one or more portions of the passage110 may have a circular-cross section whereas one or more other portionsof the passage 110 may have other cross-sectional shapes. Moreover, thecross-sectional profile of the passage 110 may have any desired shape.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the irrigation needle 120 may be receivedinto the distal portion 122 of the passage 110. In some instances, theirrigation needle 120 may form an interference fit with the distalportion 122. In other instances, an adhesive may be used to attach theirrigation needle 120 within the distal portion 122. Further, in stillother instances, the body 108 may be formed around the irrigation needle120. That is, the irrigation needle 120 may be in place at the time offorming of the body 108. For example, in some instances, the body 108may be formed by an injection molding operation. Thus, the irrigationneedle 120 may be positioned at a desired location in or relative to theinjection mold at the time the body 108 is molded.

The passage 110 may define a proximal portion 124 at the proximal end114. The proximal portion 124 defines the inlet 112. As shown in theillustrated example, the proximal portion 124 has a larger cross-sectionthan an adjacent portion of the passage 110. Thus, the proximal portion124 may be adapted to receive an end of a conduit. For example, aportion of flexible tubing may be received into the proximal portion 124of the passage 110. The conduit may be used to supply irrigation fluidfrom an irrigation fluid source.

The conduit may be removably received into the proximal portion 124 suchthat a passage formed by the conduit communicates with the passage 110of the irrigation portion 102. Thus, in some instances, the conduit mayform an interference fit to retain the tubing within the irrigationportion 102. In other implementations, the conduit may be permanentlyattached within the proximal portion 124, such as with the use of anadhesive, welding, interlocking features, or in any other desired way.

In other instances, the proximal portion 124 may have a cross-sectionalshape similar to identical to an adjacent portion of passage 110. Thatis, in some instances, the cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion124 is the same as or smoothly transitions into the cross-sectionalshape of an adjacent portion of the passage 110. In still otherimplementations, the cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion 124may have a cross-sectional shape that is smaller than an adjacentportion of the passage 110.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the proximal portion 124 has a circularcross-sectional shape that defines a stepped increase in diameter overthe adjacent portion of passage 110. In other cases, the passage 110 maysmoothly transition into a larger diametrical size of the proximalportion 124. In other cases in which the cross-sectional shape iscircular, the proximal portion 124 of the passage 110 may smoothlytransition or have a constant diameter as an adjacent portion of thepassage 110. Alternately, the diameter of the proximal portion 124 maybe a stepped or tapered decrease compared to an adjacent portion of thepassage 110.

The passage 110 of the example irrigation portion 102 includes a firstportion 126 and a second portion 128. The first portion 126 has alongitudinal axis 130, and the second portion 128 has a longitudinalaxis 132. An angle θ is defined by the longitudinal axes 130, 132. Insome instances, the angle θ may be within the range of 0-90°. However,in other instances, the first portion 126 and the second portion 128 maybe coaxial.

In the example shown, the first portion 126 includes an outlet 134. Aplug 136 is disposed in the outlet 134 to prevent passage of fluidtherethrough. The irrigation portion 102 is operable to directirrigation fluid from a conduit coupled at the proximal end 114 throughthe passage 110, and out through the irrigation needle 120. The proximalend 114 may include one or more retaining features 115. The retainingfeatures 115 may cooperate, for example, with a lure lock provided on alength of tubing. Thus, the retaining features 115 may be utilized tocouple the irrigation portion 102 to a length of flexible tubing orother type of conduit.

Referring to FIG. 5, the irrigation portion 102 defines a longitudinallyextending slot 138. As explained in more detail below, the slot 138 isconfigured to releasably receive a portion of the aspiration portion104. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the irrigation portion 102 may alsoinclude a tactile region 140. The tactile region 140 may enhancegripping of a user. In some instances, the tactile region 140 may covera portion of an outer surface 139 of the irrigation portion 102.However, in some instances, more than one tactile region 140 may beused. In other implementations, the tactile region 140 may beeliminated.

FIGS. 6-7 show an example aspiration portion 104. Referring to FIG. 6,the aspiration portion 104 includes a body 141, a passage 142 extendingthrough the body 141 from a proximal end 144 to a distal end 146. Theaspiration portion 104 also includes a receptacle 148. The receptacle148 is adapted to receive the irrigation portion 102. When theirrigation portion 102 is received in the receptacle 148, an outersurface 150 of the irrigation portion 102 cooperates with an innersurface 152 of the receptacle to form a seal. The seal is operable toprevent or substantially prevent fluid, such as irrigation fluid, frompassing through the receptacle between the inner surface 152 and theouter surface 150 towards the proximal end 144 of the aspiration portion104. As a result, irrigation fluid is prevented or substantiallyprevented from leaking out of the I/A hand piece 100. Thus, the sealallows the user to maintain a clean and dry gripping surface of the I/Ahand piece 100 as well as preventing irrigation fluid from beinguncontrollably released elsewhere in the environment.

Materials used to form the outer surface 150 and the inner surface 152may be selected such that one of the materials is more malleable orpliable relative to the other. Thus, the materials may be selected suchthat one of materials forming the inner surface 152 or a portion thereofor the material forming the outer surface 150 or a portion thereofconforms to the other material. For example, one of the materials may beharder than the other material. Further, deformation of one of thematerials relative may be an elastic deformation. In other instances,the deformation may be a plastic deformation. Thus, the materials may beselected such that compliance of one material relative to the othermaterial forms a fluid-tight or substantially fluid-tight seal.

A portion of the distal end 146 may have a retaining feature 154 toretain the irrigation sleeve 106. For example, in some instances, theretaining feature 154 may be a threaded surface configured to cooperatewith a corresponding interior threaded surface 156 of the irrigationsleeve 106 (as shown in FIG. 8). Thus, the irrigation sleeve 106 may beremovably secured to the distal end 146 of the aspiration portion 104.However, other retaining features may be used to retain the irrigationsleeve 106 onto the aspiration portion 104. For example, in someinstances, an annular lip formed on the distal end 146 of the aspirationportion 104 may cooperate with a lip or other feature formed on theirrigation sleeve 106 to removably retain the irrigation sleeve 106 onthe aspiration portion 104. However, the disclosure is not so limited.Rather, any other suitable retaining feature may be used to removablyretain the irrigation sleeve 106. The irrigation sleeve 106 may becoupled to the distal end 146 of the aspiration portion 104 when eithercombined with or separated from the irrigation portion 102.

The proximal end 144 may be adapted to retain a conduit thereon. Forexample, a conduit, such as a length of flexible tubing, may be receivedonto an outer surface 158 of the proximal end 144. Further, in someinstances, the proximal end 144 may have a tapered shape. The conduitmay be retained by an interference fit between the proximal end 144 andthe conduit. In other implementations, the proximal end 144 may includeretaining features to couple a conduit to the aspiration portion 104. Insome instances, the retaining features include, for example, one or moreraised lips, a textured surface, or any other desired feature. Theproximal end 144 defines an outlet 160.

In some instances, the irrigation portion 102 and/or the aspirationportion 104 may be coupled to a surgical console. For example, theirrigation portion 102 and/or aspiration portion 104 may be coupled to asurgical console via a conduit (e.g., flexible tubing).

The passage 142 also includes a distal portion 162. In some instances,the distal portion 162 has a reduced cross-section in relation to anadjacent portion of the passage 142. For example, in some instances, thepassage 142 may have a circular cross-section. Thus, the distal portion162 may have a diametrical size smaller than an adjacent portion of thepassage 142. In some instances, the size of the distal portion 162 maychange gradually. For example, in some instances, the passage 142 maytaper to the distal portion 162. In other instances, distal portion 162may have an abrupt change in cross-section relative to an adjacentportion of passage 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the distalportion 162 may have a stepped change in cross section.

Further, in some implementations, the passage 142 may have a constantcross-section along a length of the aspiration portion 104. In otherimplementations, the passage 142 may have a cross-section that variesalong the length of the aspiration portion 104. For example, in someinstance, one or more portions of the passage 142 may have a taperedcross-section. In other instances, one or more portions of the passage142 may have a stepped changed in cross-section. However, the passage142 may have any desired cross-sectional provide along the length of theaspiration portion 104.

In other instances, a size of the distal portion 162 may be continuouswith an adjacent portion of the passage 142. In still other instances, asize of the distal portion 162 may be a smaller an adjacent portion ofthe passage 142. In some instances, the shape of the passage 142 mayhave a circular cross-section. In other instances, the passage 142 mayhave other cross-sectional shapes, such as, for example, oval,rectangular, square, pyramidal, or any other desired shape.

An aspiration needle 164 is received into the distal portion 162. Insome instances, the aspiration needle 164 may form an interference fitwith the distal portion 162. In other instances, an adhesive may be usedto attach the aspiration needle 164 within the distal portion 162.Further, in still other instances, the body 141 may be formed around theaspiration needle 164. That is, the aspiration needle 164 may be inplace at the time of forming of the body 141. For example, in someinstances, the body 141 may be formed by an injection molding operation.Thus, the aspiration needle 164 may be positioned at a desired locationin or relative to the injection mold at the time the body 141 is molded.In other instances, the aspiration needle 164 may be coupled to the body141 after formation of the body 141.

The aspiration portion 104 may also include a tactile region 166. Thetactile region 166 may enhance gripping of a user. In some instances,the tactile region 140 may cover a portion of an outer surface 168 ofthe irrigation portion 104. However, in some instances, more than onetactile region 166 may be used. In other implementations, the tactileregion 166 may be eliminated.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aspiration portion 104 takenalong line A-A. As shown, the body 141 includes a profile 170 along atleast a portion of its length that is configured to be releasablyreceived into the slot 138 formed in the irrigation portion 102. Theprofile 170 and slot 138 may define a form or force closure mechanism.For example, in some instances, the profile 170 and slot 138 may have asnap fit to secure the irrigation portion 102 and the aspiration portion104 together. Thus, the irrigation portion 102 and the aspirationportion 104 may be combined by inserting the irrigation needle 120 andthe distal end 118 of the irrigation portion 102 into the receptacle 148of the aspiration portion 104 and pressing the irrigation portion 102and the aspiration portion 104 such that the profile 170 of theaspiration portion 104 is received into the slot 138 of the irrigationportion 102.

Referring to FIG. 20, the hand piece 100 may also include retainingfeatures to maintain the irrigation portion 102 and the aspirationportion 104 in the assembled configuration. For example, in theillustrated example, a protrusion 2000 formed on the body 108 of theirrigation portion 102 is received into a recess 2002 defined by thebody 141 of the aspiration portion 104. Similarly, a protrusion 2004formed on the body 141 of the aspiration portion 104 is received into arecess 2006 defined by the body 139 of the irrigation portion 102. Theprotrusions 2000, 2004 and mating recesses 2002, 2006, respectively,provide for mechanical interlocking between the irrigation portion 102and aspiration portion 104 in the assembled configuration. Theprotrusions 2000, 2004 and recesses 2002, 2006 are operable to couplethe irrigation portion 102 and the aspiration portion 104 to each other.

The protrusions 2000, 2004 may be retained within their correspondingrecesses 2002, 2006 by, for example, a snap fit. For example, once theirrigation portion 102 is received within the receptacle 148, joiningforces may be applied to the irrigation portion 102 and aspirationportion 104 to force the protrusions 2000, 2004 into their respectiverecesses 2002, 2006. Separations forces may be applied to irrigationportion 102 and aspiration portions 104 to remove the protrusions 2000,2004 from their respective recesses 2002, 2006. While example retainingfeatures are described above, other retaining features may also be used.For example, different interlocking features adapted to releasablysecure the irrigation portion 102 and aspiration portion 104 may beimplemented.

FIGS. 8-9 show an example irrigation sleeve 106. As explained above, insome implementations, the irrigation sleeve 106 includes a threadedsurface 156 and defines an interior 172. Although the irrigation sleeve106 may include a threaded surface 156 in some implementations, in otherimplementations another type of retaining feature may be used. Forexample, the irrigation sleeve 106 may include any type of retainingoperable to couple the irrigation sleeve 106 to the aspiration portion104. Particularly, the irrigation sleeve 106 may include any suitableretaining feature operable to cooperate with the retaining feature 154of the aspiration portion 104. The irrigation sleeve 106 may alsoincludes ports 174. The ports 174 may be oriented 180° offset from eachother about longitudinal axis 176. Although two ports 174 are shown, inother implementations, the irrigation sleeve 106 may include fewerports, additional ports, or no ports. The irrigation sleeve 106 alsoincludes an outlet 178. The aspiration needle 164 may extend through theoutlet 178.

Referring to FIG. 2, in operation, in the assembled configuration,irrigation fluid passes from the inlet 112, through passage 110, outthrough the irrigation needle 120, into the irrigation sleeve 106, andout through openings 176. Irrigation fluid may also exit through theoutlet 178 between the irrigation sleeve 106 and the aspiration needle164. The combined irrigation portion 102 and aspiration portion 104define a hand piece that may be used by a user with a single hand,thereby freeing up the user's other hand for other purposes. Whenseparated (“separated configuration”), the irrigation portion 102 andthe aspiration portion 104 may be utilized separately, for example, foruse in a bimanual surgical procedure. Generally, in the separatedconfiguration, the irrigation sleeve 106 is removed prior to use of theaspiration portion 104. However, in other instances, the irrigationsleeve 106 may remain attached during use.

FIGS. 10-21 illustrate another example I/A hand piece 1000. FIG. 10 is across-sectional view of the example hand piece 1000 in an assembledconfiguration. The hand piece 1000 includes an irrigation portion 1002,an aspiration portion 1004, and an irrigation sleeve 1006. FIGS. 11-13show cross-sectional views of the irrigation portion 1002, theaspiration portion 1004, and the irrigation sleeve 1006 in a separatedconfiguration.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the irrigation portion 1002 includes a body1008 and a passage 1010. The passage 1010 includes an inlet 112 and anoutlet 1016. The passage 1010 may extend from a proximal end 1014 to adistal end 1018. A body 1008 may define a receptacle 1015. Thereceptacle 1015 is configured to receive the aspiration portion 1004. Asshown in FIG. 12, the outlet 1016 forms an annular ring around thereceptacle.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view at section B-B. FIG. 13 shows that thebody 1008 may have a curved cross-sectional shape. In the illustratedexample, the cross-sectional shape of the body 1008 has an arc-shapedefining a recess 1020. The arc-shape is configured to receive theaspiration portion 1004, as shown, for example, in FIG. 19. Thus, insome instances, the aspiration portion 1004 nests within the recess 1020of the irrigation portion 1002. However, the irrigation portion 1002 mayhave other cross-sectional shapes. For example, the irrigation portion1002 may have any shape configured to receive the aspiration portion1004. Further, the passage 1010 may also have a curved or arc shape. Forexample, the passage 1010 may have a shape that is defined by wall 1032of the body. In other instances, though, the cross-sectional shape ofthe passage 1010 may define other shapes. For example, the passage 1010may have a circular, rectangular, elliptical, pyramidal, or any otherdesired cross-sectional shape. Still further, a cross-sectional size andshape of the passage 1010 may also vary along a length of the irrigationportion 1002.

The proximal end 1014 may be angled relative to an adjacent portion ofthe body 1008. For example, an angle β may be defined between alongitudinal axis 1034 of the proximal end 1014 and a longitudinal axis1036. In some instances, the angle β may be in the range of 90-180°. Inother instances, the angle β may be 180°. That is, the longitudinal axes1034, 1036 may be aligned.

Referring to FIG. 12, the proximal end 1014 may include one or moreretaining features 1040. The retaining features 1040 may be similar tothe retaining features 115, described above. Thus, retaining features1040 may be operable to couple a conduit to the irrigation portion 1002.For example, the retaining features 1040 may cooperate with a lure lockconnector attached to a piece of tubing, such as flexible tubing. Inother instances, a conduit may be retained onto the proximal end 1014,for example, via an interference fit, an adhesive, gripping ribs, or inany other suitable manner.

The distal end 1018 of the body 1008 may have a retaining feature 1042.The retaining feature 1042 is operable to retain the irrigation sleeve1006. For example, in some instances, the retaining feature 1042 may bea threaded surface configured to cooperate with a corresponding interiorthreaded surface 1044 of the irrigation sleeve 1006 (as shown in FIG.17). Thus, the irrigation sleeve 1006 may be removably secured to thedistal end 1018 of the irrigation portion 1002. However, other retainingfeatures may be used to retain the irrigation sleeve 1006 onto theirrigation portion 1002. For example, in some instances, an annular lipformed on the distal end 1018 of the irrigation portion 1002 maycooperate with a lip or other feature formed on the irrigation sleeve1006 to removably retain the irrigation sleeve 1006 on the irrigationportion 1002. However, the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, anyother suitable retaining feature may be used to removably retain theirrigation sleeve 1006. The irrigation sleeve 1006 may be coupled to thedistal end 1018 of the irrigation portion 1002 when either combined withor separated from the aspiration portion 1004.

FIG. 14 shows another example implementation in which the body 1008 ofthe irrigation portion 1002 includes a stiffening feature 1005. In someinstances, the stiffening feature 1005 may be formed integrally with thebody 1008. In other instances, the stiffening feature 1005 may beseparate from and coupled to the body 1008. For example, the stiffeningfeature 1005 may be coupled to the body 1008 such as with an adhesive,interference fit, welding, cooperating interlocking features, or in anyother desired manner. The irrigation sleeve 1006 is received over thestiffening feature 1005.

The irrigation sleeve 1006 and the irrigation portion 1002 may becoupled together in a manner similar to those described above. Forexample, the irrigation portion 1002 may include a retaining feature1042 that is operable to retain the irrigation sleeve 1006. In someinstances, the retaining feature 1042 may be a threaded surfaceconfigured to cooperate with a corresponding interior threaded surface1044 of the irrigation sleeve 1006 (as shown in FIG. 17). However, asexplained above, cooperating threaded surfaces are merely an example,and, therefore, other retaining features 1042 may be used to removablysecure the irrigation sleeve 1006 to the irrigation portion 1002.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the stiffening feature 1005 includes aplurality of freely-extending fingers 1007. The fingers 1007 may becoupled to the distal end 1018 of the body 1008. The fingers 1007configured to flex and are, hence, compliant to a force applied thereto.The force at which the fingers 1007 may be made to flex may be adjustedto any desired force, and the rate or amount of flex at a desired forcemay also be adjusted to a desired level.

The fingers 1007 are received into the interior 1062 of the irrigationsleeve 1006. The fingers 1007 may be shaped to conform to the shape ofthe irrigation sleeve 1006. For example, the fingers 1007 may have abent shape configured to correspond to a proximal flared portion of theirrigation sleeve 1006 and a distal elongated portion thereof. Thefingers 1007 and, therefore, the stiffening feature 1005 provideincreased stiffness and rigidity to the irrigation sleeve 1006. Thisincreased stiffness and rigidity may prevent or reduce flexing orcollapse of the irrigation sleeve 1006, for example, when the aspirationportion 1004 is detached from the irrigation portion 1002. As a result,the increased stiffness and rigidity provided by the stiffening feature1005 to the irrigation sleeve 1006 provides improved performance of theirrigation portion 1002 and irrigation sleeve 1006 when used without theaspiration portion 1004. For example, during a surgical procedure inwhich the irrigation sleeve 1006 extends into a patient's eye, thestiffening feature 1005 may prevent collapse, twisting, or bending ofthe irrigation sleeve 1006 upon removal of aspiration portion 1004 orwhen used without the aspiration portion 1004.

FIGS. 15-16 show the aspiration portion 1004. The aspiration portion1004 includes a body 1046, a proximal end 1048, a distal end 1050, apassage 1052, and an aspiration needle 1054. The passage 1052 may alsoinclude a distal portion 1056 that may be similar to the distal portion162, described above. The passage 1052 defines an outlet 1058 at theproximal end 1048.

The proximal end 1048 may be adapted to retain a conduit thereon. Forexample, a conduit, such as a length of flexible tubing, may be receivedonto an outer surface 1070 of the proximal end 1048. Further, in someinstances, the proximal end 1048 may have a tapered shape. The conduitmay be retained by an interference fit between the proximal end 1058 andthe conduit. In other implementations, the proximal end 1048 may includeretaining features to couple a conduit to the aspiration portion 1004.In some instances, the retaining features include, for example, one ormore raised lips, a textured surface, or any other desired feature. Theproximal end 1048 defines an outlet 1058.

The aspiration needle 1054 is received into the distal portion 1056. Insome instances, the aspiration needle 1054 may form an interference fitwith the distal portion 1056. In other instances, an adhesive may beused to attach the aspiration needle 1054 within the distal portion1056. Further, in still other instances, the body 1046 may be formedaround the aspiration needle 1054. That is, the aspiration needle 1054may be in place at the time of forming of the body 1046. For example, insome instances, the body 1046 may be formed by an injection moldingoperation. Thus, the aspiration needle 1054 may be positioned at adesired location in or relative to the injection mold at the time thebody 1046 is molded. In other instances, the aspiration needle 1054 maybe coupled to the body 1046 after formation of the body 1046.

Further, in some implementations, the passage 1052 may have a constantcross-section along a length of the aspiration portion 1004. FIG. 16 isa cross-sectional view of the aspiration portion 1004 taken along lineC-C. As shown in FIG. 16, the passage 1052 may have a circularcross-section. The circular cross-section may be constant along thelength of the passage 1052. In other implementations, the passage 1052may have a cross-section that varies along the length of the aspirationportion 1004. For example, in some instance, one or more portions of thepassage 1052 may have a tapered cross-section. In other instances, oneor more portions of the passage 1052 may have a stepped changed incross-section. However, the passage 1052 may have any desiredcross-sectional provide along the length of the aspiration portion 1004.Further, a cross-sectional size and shape of the passage 1052 may varyalong the length of the aspiration portion 1004.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the irrigation sleeve 1006. Theirrigation sleeve 1006 includes an outlet 1060, an interior 1062, andthe threaded surface 1044. The aspiration needle 1054 may extend throughthe outlet 1060. Also, although the irrigation sleeve 1006 may include athreaded surface 1044 in some implementations, in other implementationsanother type of retaining feature may be used. For example, theirrigation sleeve 1006 may include any type of retaining operable tocouple the irrigation sleeve 1006 to the aspiration portion 1004.Particularly, the irrigation sleeve 1006 may include any suitableretaining feature operable to cooperate with the retaining feature 1042of the aspiration portion 1004.

Referring to FIG. 18, the irrigation sleeve 1006 may also includes ports1064. The ports 1064 may be oriented 180° offset from each other aboutlongitudinal axis 1066. Although two ports 1064 are shown, in otherimplementations, the irrigation sleeve 1006 may include fewer ports,additional ports, or no ports.

FIG. 19 shows another example irrigation sleeve 1006 that includes astiffening feature 1009. The stiffening feature 1009 may be in the formof a tubular elongated member. In some instances the stiffening feature1009 may be cylindrical in shape. In other instances, the stiffeningfeature 1009 may be tapered. In general, the stiffening feature 1009 mayhave a shape that conforms to a portion of the irrigation sleeve 1006.Further, the stiffening feature 1009 may be formed from a materialhaving any desired stiffness. For example, in some instances, thematerial forming the stiffening feature 1009 may have a stiffness equalto the stiffness of the material forming the irrigation sleeve 1006. Inother instances, the stiffness of the material forming the stiffeningfeature 1009 may be less than or greater than the material forming theirrigation sleeve 1006.

The stiffening feature 1009 may be received into an elongated portion1011. In some instances, an outer diameter of the stiffening feature1009 may be larger than an inner diameter of the elongated portion 1011.Thus, the stiffening feature 1009 may form an interference fit with theelongated portion 1011. In other instance, the stiffening feature may beadhered to the elongated portion 1011. For example, an adhesive may beused to attach the stiffening feature to the elongated portion 1011. Instill other implementations, the stiffening feature 1009 may be embeddedwithin the elongated portion 1011. In the implementation shown in FIG.19, the stiffening feature 1009 is received into the elongated portion1011, and an end 1013 abuts a shoulder 1015 formed in the elongatedportion 1011.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the hand piece 1000 is shown in theassembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, the distal end1050 of the aspiration portion 1004 is received into the receptacle 1015of the irrigation portion 1002. The aspiration portion 1004 may beretained within the receptacle 1015, for example, by a snap fit,friction, or in any other suitable way. Thus, the aspiration portion1004 and the irrigation portion 1002 may be releasably coupled to eachother. In the assembled configuration, the aspiration needle 1054extends through the outlet 1060 of the irrigation sleeve 1006.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the hand piece 1000 taken alongline D-D in FIG. 10. As shown, the passage 1010 of the irrigationportion 1002 has a cross-section in the form of a ring. The passage 1052extends through the receptacle 1015, which is encircled by the passage1010. FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the hand piece 1000 takenalong line E-E in FIG. 10. FIG. 21 illustrates that, in someimplementations, the body 1046 of the aspiration portion 1004 may nextwithin the recess 1020 defined by the body 1008 of the irrigationportion 1002.

In operation, irrigation fluid passes through the passage 1010 of theirrigation portion 1002, out through the outlet 1016, and into theinterior 1062 of the irrigation sleeve 1006. The irrigation sleeve 1006and the irrigation portion 1002 form a seal. The seal may be afluid-tight seal that is operable to prevent or substantially preventpassage of fluid between the irrigation sleeve 1006 and the irrigationportion 1002. The irrigation fluid passes out of the irrigation sleeve1006 through the one or more ports 1064. Additionally, irrigation fluidmay exit the irrigation sleeve 1006 through the outlet 1060 between theaspiration needle 1054 and the irrigation sleeve 1006. As indicatedabove, the irrigation sleeve 1006 may not include ports 1064. In suchimplementations, the irrigation fluid may exit the irrigation sleeve1006 through the outlet 1060.

Material may be aspirated through the aspiration needle 1054, throughpassage 1052, and out through outlet 1058 of the aspiration portion1004. The aspirated material may continue through a conduit, such asflexible tubing, coupled to the aspiration portion 1004.

Thus, similar to the example shown in FIGS. 1-9, the hand piece 1000 maybe used in the assembled configuration such that aspiration andirrigation functionality is provided in a single component that may begrasped in a single hand of the user. However, the hand piece 1000 maybe separated into individual components, for example, for use in abimanual surgical procedure. Further, similar to the hand piece 100, theirrigation portion 1002 and the aspiration portion 1004 may berepeatedly coupled and decoupled. For example, the irrigation portion1002 and the aspiration portion 1004 may be coupled and decouplednumerous times during a surgical procedure, depending upon the needs ordesires of the user.

Hand pieces 100 and 1000 provide many advantages. For example, handpieces 100, 1000 provide a user with the ability to separate or combineaspiration and irrigation functionality. The user advantageously has thechoice and can freely alternate hand pieces 100, 1000 between theassembled configuration and the separated configuration as desired. Forexample, the surgeon can place hand pieces 100, 1000 into the assembledconfiguration in order to have a free or unoccupied hand whileperforming a procedure. Alternately, the surgeon can place the handpieces 100, 1000 into the separated configuration in order toindependently place the irrigation and aspiration portions at separatelocations. Further, because the irrigation portion and aspirationportion are separable, separate devices for aspiration and irrigationare not required. Thus, the hand pieces 100, 1000 provide manyadvantageous to a user.

While the present disclosure is illustrated by the variousimplementations described herein, and while the various implementationsare described in detail, the scope of the present disclosure is notintended to be limited or restricted to such detail. Rather, additionaladvantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in theart. Therefore, the present disclosure in its broader aspects is notlimited to the specific details, representative apparatus, andillustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departing from thespirit or scope of the applicant's general or inventive concept. Thus,other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical irrigation/aspiration system,comprising: a handheld irrigation portion comprising a first outersurface and having an irrigation sleeve extending from a distal end ofthe handheld irrigation portion, the handheld irrigation portionconfigured to provide an irrigation fluid to a surgical site from asurgical console; and a handheld aspiration portion comprising a secondouter surface and having an aspiration tip extending from a distal endof the handheld aspiration portion, the handheld aspiration portionconfigured to provide aspiration from the surgical site; wherein thehandheld aspiration portion is configured to be removably coupled withthe handheld irrigation portion such that, when coupled: the aspirationtip extends through and is annularly surrounded by the irrigation sleeveand provides aspiration through a fluid outlet of the irrigation sleeve,and the first outer surface of the handheld irrigation portion and thesecond outer surface of the handheld aspiration portion define asubstantially continuous outer surface along a portion of the surgicalirrigation/aspiration system; and wherein the handheld irrigationportion is configured to provide the irrigation fluid to the surgicalsite and the handheld aspiration portion is configured to provideaspiration from the surgical site regardless of whether the handheldirrigation portion and handheld aspiration portion are coupled together.2. The surgical irrigation/aspiration system of claim 1, wherein theaspiration tip extends along a central axis of the irrigation sleevewhen the handheld aspiration portion is coupled with the handheldirrigation portion.
 3. The surgical irrigation/aspiration system ofclaim 1, wherein a distal end of the aspiration tip extends beyond adistal end of the irrigation sleeve when the handheld aspiration portionis coupled with the handheld irrigation portion.
 4. The surgicalirrigation/aspiration system of claim 1, wherein the handheld irrigationportion comprises a receptacle configured to receive the distal end ofthe handheld aspiration portion when the handheld aspiration portion iscoupled with the handheld irrigation portion.
 5. The surgicalirrigation/aspiration system of claim 4, wherein the receptacle forms afluid-tight seal with the handheld aspiration portion when the handheldaspiration portion is coupled with the handheld irrigation portion. 6.The surgical irrigation/aspiration system of claim 4, wherein thehandheld irrigation portion and the handheld aspiration portion includeinterlocking elements for removably coupling the distal end of thehandheld aspiration portion in the receptacle of the handheld irrigationportion.
 7. The surgical irrigation/aspiration system of claim 6,wherein the handheld irrigation portion interlocks with the handheldaspiration portion through a friction fit.
 8. The surgicalirrigation/aspiration system of claim 6, wherein the handheld irrigationportion interlocks with the handheld aspiration portion through a snapfit.
 9. The surgical irrigation/aspiration system of claim 4, whereinthe receptacle has a tapered portion configured to receive a cone-shapedportion of the handheld aspiration portion.
 10. A surgical irrigationtool, comprising a handheld irrigation portion comprising a first outersurface and configured to provide an irrigation fluid to a surgical sitefrom a surgical console; and an irrigation sleeve extending from adistal end of the handheld irrigation portion; wherein the handheldirrigation portion is configured to be removably coupled with a handheldaspiration portion comprising a second outer surface and having anaspiration tip extending from a distal end of the handheld aspirationportion, such that, when the handheld irrigation portion and handheldaspiration portion are coupled: the aspiration tip extends through andis annularly surrounded by the irrigation sleeve and provides aspirationfrom the surgical site through a fluid outlet of the irrigation sleeve,and the first outer surface of the handheld irrigation portion and thesecond outer surface of the handheld aspiration portion define asubstantially continuous outer surface along a portion of the surgicalinstrument; and wherein the handheld irrigation portion is configured toprovide the irrigation fluid to the surgical site regardless of whetherthe handheld irrigation portion and handheld aspiration portion arecoupled together.
 11. The surgical irrigation tool of claim 10, whereinthe handheld irrigation portion comprises a receptacle configured toreceive the distal end of the handheld aspiration portion when thehandheld aspiration portion is coupled with the handheld irrigationportion.
 12. The surgical irrigation tool of claim 11, wherein thereceptacle forms a fluid-tight seal with the handheld aspiration portionwhen the handheld aspiration portion is coupled with the handheldirrigation portion.
 13. The surgical irrigation tool of claim 11,wherein the handheld irrigation portion and the handheld aspirationportion include interlocking elements for removably coupling the distalend of the handheld aspiration portion in the receptacle of the handheldirrigation portion.
 14. The surgical irrigation tool of claim 13,wherein the handheld irrigation portion interlocks with the handheldaspiration portion through a friction fit.
 15. The surgical irrigationtool of claim 13, wherein the handheld irrigation portion interlockswith the handheld aspiration portion through a snap fit.
 16. Thesurgical irrigation tool of claim 11 wherein the receptacle has atapered portion configured to receive a cone-shaped portion of thehandheld aspiration portion.
 17. A surgical aspiration tool, comprising:a handheld aspiration portion comprising a first outer surface andconfigured to provide aspiration from a surgical site; and an aspirationtip extending from a distal end of the handheld aspiration portion;wherein the handheld aspiration portion is configured to be removablycoupled with a handheld irrigation portion comprising a second outersurface and having an irrigation sleeve extending from a distal end ofthe handheld irrigation portion, the handheld irrigation portionconfigured to provide an irrigation fluid to the surgical site from asurgical console, such that, when the handheld aspiration portion andhandheld irrigation portion are coupled: the aspiration tip extendsthrough and is annularly surrounded by the irrigation sleeve andprovides aspiration from the surgical site through a fluid outlet of theirrigation sleeve, and the first outer surface of the handheldaspiration portion and the second outer surface of the handheldirrigation portion define a substantially continuous outer surface alonga portion of the surgical instrument; and wherein the handheldaspiration portion is configured to provide the aspiration from thesurgical site regardless of whether the handheld irrigation portion andhandheld aspiration portion are coupled together.
 18. The surgicalaspiration tool of claim 17, wherein the aspiration tip extends along acentral axis of the irrigation sleeve when the handheld aspirationportion is coupled with the handheld irrigation portion.
 19. Thesurgical aspiration tool of claim 17, wherein a distal end of theaspiration tip extends beyond a distal end of the irrigation sleeve whenthe handheld aspiration portion is coupled with the handheld irrigationportion.